Seeking Districts to Participate in Free Pilot of NBC Learn K-12 Product

NBC Learn is collaborating with the Maine Department of Education to offer all districts in Maine the opportunity to participate in a free pilot of their K-12 product.

The pilot will include access to thousands of videos curated for educational purposes, as well as technical and professional learning support. NBC Learn will promote district integration of the tool into a variety of different Learning Management Systems and will offer school leaders support as they align the resources to their local curriculum.

Districts who choose to participate will be asked to name one point of contact. This point of contact should be in a leadership role (curriculum coordinator, library media specialist, technology integrator, principal, teacher leader, etc.) and able to commit to helping other educators in the district or school to purposefully integrate the resources into their teaching and learning practice. That point of contact will also be asked to participate in an introductory webinar and a pilot evaluation facilitated by NBC Learn and the Department, which will include two surveys.

Additional information about NBC Learn and the pilot opportunity can be accessed through the:

Pilot Brochure (PDF)

Pilot Overview (PDF)

In order to ready to fully participate in the pilot from December 2018 through June 2019, districts can sign up for the pilot now. To join the pilot, please sign up here.

For additional information or answers to questions, please contact: Grace Kane, Manager, Partnerships and Sales, NBC Learn at grace.kane@nbcuni.com or Amanda Nguyen, Digital Learning Specialist, Maine Department of Education at Amanda.Nguyen@maine.gov

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month

Maine Department of Education and RSU 5 have begun a teacher-training project for the 2018-2019 school year. Twelve teachers including reading interventionists, special educators, and district special education director, Bonnie Violette will receive extensive Structured Literacy training provided by dyslexia specialists from the Children’s Dyslexia Center in Portland.

Structured literacy is a teacher-led approach characterized by the provision of systematic, explicit instruction of language and reading. The skills taught are helpful for all students; but they are especially critical for students with language-learning weaknesses, including dyslexia.

The teachers began their training in June with a fifteen-hour seminar and have recently completed an additional fifteen hours of seminar training. They have just begun to apply new skills and knowledge with their students. The teachers will receive extensive practicum supervision throughout the year.

Pownal Elementary Teacher — Hillary Massicotte delivers her first Structured Literacy lesson to a fourth-grade student at Pownal Elementary School.

Lisa Whitis, Dyslexia Coordinator for the Maine DOE, recently visited Pownal Elementary School to observe the teachers in action. “The students are loving it, especially the kinesthetic piece, I’ve already begun to see improvement,” shared Hillary Massicotte.

Special Education Director, Bonnie Violette, noted that she has a talented group of dedicated teachers and they are excited to be part of this project.

For further information contact Lisa Whitis, Dyslexia Coordinator for the Maine DOE at Lisa.Whitis@maine.gov or (207) 624-6643

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine Kids Rock Program Expands to 22 Additional Schools

The Maine Department of Education is pleased to announce that 22 school districts have been awarded $5,000 worth of modern band instruments, per school, as part of an expansion of the Maine Kids Rock Initiative.

“The Maine Kids Rock initiative has been a huge success so far,” said Maine Department of Education Commissioner, Robert G. Hasson, Jr. “We are thrilled to be expanding it by an additional 22 schools in Maine that would not otherwise be able to afford the instruments and specialized training.”

Currently in its second year, the Maine Kids Rock initiative is a program developed between the Maine Department of Education and national nonprofit, Little Kids Rock. Selected schools receive all of the instruments and resources necessary to run modern band programs, and partner teachers will receive extensive, direct coaching through Little Kids Rock’s training course, Modern Band 102, this fall.

To be eligible for participation in this initiative, districts must agree to offer modern band – taught by a certified music teacher – during the 2018-2019 school year. Priority is given to schools who serve 50% or more free or reduced eligible students.

The 22 additional schools join the initiative’s 10 pilot schools, which will continue in the program and receive frequent, targeted professional development. Partner teachers in the second-year cohort will attend a series of virtual professional learning sessions – offered monthly and covering a range of topics from hip-hop to singing in modern band – taught by expert staff from the Little Kids Rock organization. Additionally, all teachers receive free, unlimited access to the newest resources in Little Kids Rock’s online hub, Jam Zone. Next spring, new partner schools will be featured in a public performance at the second annual “Concert at the Capitol.”

The 22 members of this year’s cohort are:

Andover Elementary School (Andover School Department), Dr. Levesque Elementary School (MSAD 33), Easton High School (Easton School District), Glenburn School, Greenville Consolidated School, Hall-Dale High School (RSU 2), Leavitt Area High School (MSAD 52), Lee Elementary School (MSAD 30), Monmouth Middle School, Mattanawcook Junior High School (RSU 67), Miles Lane Elementary School (RSU 25), Molly Ockett Middle School (MSAD 72), Searsport Middle/High School (RSU 20), Sebasticook Valley Middle School (RSU 19), Sherwood Heights (Auburn School Department), Spruce Mountain Middle School (RSU 73), Walker Elementary School (RSU 3), Walton Elementary School (Auburn School Department), Washington Academy, Winslow Elementary School (AOS 92), Winslow Junior High School (AOS 92), and Woodland Consolidated School.

The 10 returning schools are:

Central Community Elementary School (RSU 64), Crescent Park and Woodstock Elementary Schools (RSU 44), East End Community School (Portland Public Schools), Hitchborn Middle School and Penobscot Valley High School (RSU 31), Houlton Middle/High School (RSU 29), Katahdin Elementary, Middle, and High Schools (RSU 50), Medway Middle School (Medway School Department), Meroby and Rumford Elementary Schools (RSU 10), Troy Howard Middle School (RSU 71), and Waterville Senior High School (AOS 92).

Rachel Paling, Maine DOE Director of Communication at rachel.paling@maine.gov

ESSA & Accountability: Why does accountability matter? #success4ME

Every element of our education system, including our expectations for students, how we understand if students are meeting those expectations, and how we are working with and supporting teachers and leaders, work toward the goal of ensuring all students are prepared for success after high school. Accountability is one piece of that system.

Accountability systems are intended to help us focus on what matters most, give us a better understanding of what is working well, and determine where we need to make improvements so we can help all students succeed. Just as state standards and assessments set expectations for what students should know and be able to do, state accountability systems set expectations for school performance helping schools determine next steps in accessing available supports from the state.

Statewide accountability systems set goals for achievement and growth for all schools regardless of race, income and zip code, and provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to understand school and district profile, and performance information.

Maine’s accountability system is now known as Maine’s Model of School Support. Through the implementation of the model, Maine will identify schools eligible to receive additional supports in January 2019.

What is Maine’s Model of School Support?

Maine has moved towards a more purposeful approach to supporting Maine Schools. Maine’s Model of School Supports utilizes the following indicators:

Elementary/Middle Schools	High Schools
Chronic Absenteeism	Chronic Absenteeism
Academic Progress	English Language Proficiency
English Language Proficiency	Academic Achievement
Academic Achievement	Graduation Rate

As you can see, the indicators remain a constant across grade spans with the exception of academic progress and graduation rate. Graduation rate only applies to high schools and as such is a high school model indicator. Progress can only be calculated when there are multiple years of data and this is currently only possible between grades 3-8 or Elementary/Middle level, therefore, progress is utilized in Elementary/Middle schools.

Data related to these indicators will be utilized to determine performance levels for each student population. Student populations include: white, Asian, black, two or more races, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, economically disadvantaged, English language learners, migrant, homeless, foster care and students with disabilities (data for bolded student groups is included in the model. Data for non-bolded student groups is used for reporting purposes only).

In order for a school to receive a performance level within the above indicators, there must be a minimum count of 10 students. If there are less than 10 students in a student group, the data is not utilized, is suppressed, and the indicator will not be applicable for that specific student group.

The method by which 2018/2019 determinations are made is a new process to Maine containing many new indicators (listed above). The Department in collaboration with stakeholders, believe the inclusion of a wide variety of indicators will provide a more comprehensive view of school success. Maine uses performance on these indicators to determine schools who would benefit from the provision of school supports. Schools determined eligible to receive supports will receive additional assistance from the state and their districts. Additional assistance and support through the Maine Department of Education will include professional development and learning, regional leadership coaching, and other supports as determined by the tier of support.

Comprehensive Supports and Interventions (CSI) or Tier III supports are determined as a result of all student populations within Title I schools experiencing challenges across all indicators within Maine’s Model of School Supports. This comprehensive support assists in accelerating improvement schoolwide. Schools will receive supports for a period of three (3) years. These are schools similar to those identified as priority schools in Maine’s previous accountability model.

Targeted Supports and Interventions (TSI) or Tier II Supports – are determined as a result of specific student populations experiencing challenges in a specific indicator consistently for three(3) years. These schools are similar to schools that were previously identified as Focus schools; however, under ESSA, Maine now must identify any school with a consistently underperforming subgroup of students. Maine will not be making determinations for schools eligible for Tier II supports until the 2019/20 school year and then annually thereafter as four (4) years of data is required in order to determine three (3) years of consistently underperforming.

Additional Targeted Supports and Interventions (ATSI) or Tier I Supports – are determined as a result of a single student population(s) experiencing challenges across all indicators. These determinations will be made on an annual basis. Support is provided to schools due to a need based on the performance of at least one student group.

Upcoming articles in the DOE Newsroom will focus specifically on each of the five (5) indicators.

Questions regarding the above information can be sent to ESSA.DOE@maine.gov or Janette Kirk via email at janette.kirk@maine.gov or 624-6707.

BrightBytes Technology and Learning Fall 2018 Workshops

The Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) has partnered with BrightBytes for the sixth year to facilitate the administration of the Technology and Learning Survey to students and educators. The survey helps districts assess how technology is used for teaching and learning in its schools, and provides research-based insights to assist districts with planning for better technology integration.

Staff from BrightBytes and the Department will host another series of on-site data and action planning workshops this Fall. During these full day workshops, participants will analyze school or district BrightBytes results in order to create an action plan for better implementation of technology for learning that is grounded in best practice and linked to the mission and vision of the district.

A team is ideal for this full-day workshop. School principals, district administrators, technology directors, curriculum directors, teachers, and students are all welcome to join.

All workshops will take place from 9am-3pm.

Monday, 10/22, Ellsworth Elementary Middle School, Ellsworth.
Tuesday, 10/23, The Forum/Mt. Blue Campus, Farmington.
Wednesday, 10/24, Maine Department of Education, Room 103, Augusta.
Thursday, 10/25, Gorham Municipal Center, Gorham.
Friday, 10/26, Virtual Workshop (more info to be sent upon registration).

Cost: There is no registration cost.

Lunch: Please plan to bring your own lunch and snacks for the day.

Registration: Click here to register.

Contact Hours: Educators can earn up to six contact hours

Note: Districts have typically used BrightBytes survey results to inform the development of district technology plans. During the 2018 – 2019 school year, there is no requirement for districts to submit technology plans to the Department for review or approval, however, schools that are participating in the MLTI Apple and HP opt-ins are still required to complete the survey by November 30, 2018.

If you have questions, contact Amanda Nguyen, Digital Learning Specialist at Amanda.Nguyen@maine.gov

Professional Development Opportunity for Educators: Integrating Technology in Mathematics Classrooms

Maine Department of Education will be sponsoring a 2-part series, offered in two locations, that will focus on supporting teachers in developing and implementing purposeful integration of technology in the mathematics classroom to effectively impact student engagement, learning, and understanding.

Jennifer Vadnais, a certified Desmos presenter, will be facilitating the sessions with the first part in October and the second part in March. Participants will be expected to implement their learning and return with evidence of implementation for the next in-person meeting. In addition, there will be virtual check-in opportunities in between the sessions to provide support and answer questions.

During these sessions participants will:

Experience the impact of purposeful integration of technology in the mathematics classroom
Explore the Desmos resources
Learn how to navigate and use the teacher account
Understand how using Desmos supports student engagement and learning
Apply these understandings using a developed implementation plan

Participants will be provided 20 contact hours at end of series upon completion of survey in addition to coffee, lunch, and workshop materials.

Cost and participation: these sessions are FREE and open to anyone working with middle and high school math students.

Location

Dates

Grade Span

Jeff’s Catering, Brewer ME

Session 1 – October 11, 2018

Session 2 – March 25, 2019

Grades 6-12

Keeley’s, Portland ME

Session 1 – October 12, 2018

Session 2 – March 26, 2019

Grades 6-12

Registration & coffee begins at 8:00 am. The sessions run from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm . Lunch will be provided. Virtual Check-ins to be scheduled.

Register here

Online Learning Communities for Educators

Maine educators are invited to join online learning communities led by other Maine educators who will offer guidance and support for completing recognized online learning programs that are designed to develop various skills related to teaching and learning with technology. Educators can learn on their own time and at their own pace while still being a part of community of educators that are all working toward a common goal.

All of the online learning communities are free to join, though some have materials that need to be purchased in order to participate more fully.

Apple Teacher – iPad Badges (free)
Apple Teacher – Mac Badges (free)
Code.org Express Course (free)
Common Sense Educators (free)
Google Level 1 Certification ($10 exam fee paid to Google directly)
Wonder Workshop ($125 for robot and course bundle purchased with ACTEM discount)

To register, please complete this online form »

Note: Most offerings start on or around Oct. 1^st and have a limit on the number of participants.

All educators who earn their badge or certificate by midnight on December 2^nd will be invited to join a daylong celebration and professional learning opportunity. The celebration will likely be held on Thursday, December 13^th or Friday, December 14^th in the central Maine area. More details will be sent directly to participants later in the fall

For more information contact, Maine DOE Digital Learning Specialist, Amanda Nguyen at Amanda.Nguyen@maine.gov

2018 STEM Education Innovation Challenge Grant Competition for K-12 Educators

The Maine STEM Collaborative has announced the 2018 STEM Education Innovation Challenge Grant Competition to provide K-12 educators the opportunity to try out highly innovative ideas in STEM teaching and learning.

All K-12 teachers in STEM, arts, humanities, and social sciences are eligible to apply. Teachers are strongly encouraged to collaborate with informal educators, higher education faculty and staff, not-for-profit organizations and businesses to strengthen their applications and to maximize opportunities for success.

More detailed information, including a timeline, selection criteria, and the application process can be found on the Maine Space Grant Consortium website. Applications are due no later than 5 p.m., Monday, October 15, 2018.

For more information visit the Maine Space Grant Consortium website or email mestemchallenge@gmail.com.

Assessment Professional Development and Learning

During the month of July, Department staff engaged in the review of submitted Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA)/SAU Consolidated Plans. All submitted plans have been reviewed and the Department continues final synthesis of review notes and team meetings in order to provide meaningful feedback to districts.

Cross team discussions during the review of submitted district CNAs/SAU Consolidated Plans afforded the Maine DOE a unique opportunity to identify trends in challenges and successes experienced by schools and districts across the state. As a result of this review, the Department has developed a series of professional development and learning opportunities related to assessment and instructional practice. Full details including the list of dates will soon be available on the Maine DOE Professional Development & Training Calendar – at this time a listing can viewed in the following downloadable excel listing:

2018 Professional Development & Learning Opportunities (excel)

The first session of the series will be conducted via webinar and will focus on a Balanced Assessment System. This session will include an overview of the planned opportunities and timeline in addition to reviewing the key components of a Balanced Assessment System. Registration details regarding this session can be found below.

Session: Balanced Assessment Systems
Location: Webinar
Date & Time: September 26, 2018 at 2 pm
Join the Webinar (no registration necessary)

For further information please contact Janette Kirk, Deputy Director, Office of Learning Systems at Janette.Kirk@maine.gov or 624-6707.

Registration for Student Learning Objectives Training Now Open

The Maine Department of Education is once again proud to offer Student Learning Objective (SLO) training to school administrative units (SAUs) to help support the development and refinement of Performance Evaluation and Professional Growth (PEPG) systems.

For the 2018-2019 school year, Maine DOE has continued its partnership with the Northeast Comprehensive Center to offer training and support to effectively implement these important measures of student learning and growth. This training will take place at the Burton M. Cross Building in Rooms 103A and 103B on September 10, 2018 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM.

SAU teams and other key staff who lead and support SLO work as a part of PEPG systems can expect to receive:

Research-based approaches to SLO implementation
Turn-key activities to facilitate with your SAU
Electronic resources to support districts in their SLO implementation

Topics to be addressed at the event include:

Determining SLO Quality
Navigating an SLO Process
Deciding on Learning Content
Setting Growth Targets
Developing Quality Assessments

Register for the Student Learning Objectives Training

Please note, additional trainings for the 2018-2019 school year are currently under development. As these trainings are added, information will be distributed to districts.

For more information, please contact Emily Gribben, Educator Effectiveness Coordinator at emily.gribben@maine.gov.